AKLAVIK (September 24, 2015) – The Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC), is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Joe Greenland Centre in Aklavik on September 14, the community’s new Seniors Independent Living Facility.

The housing corporation and the Department of Health and Social Services worked collaboratively on the design of the new building, and received input from the community. The design is intended to facilitate supportive independent living for seniors, allowing them to remain in their home community and be near their families, while enabling access to important support services.

The Joe Greenland Centre includes modern features that will assist residents in their day-to-day living. Some of these supports include a visitable design approach. The design includes no-step entrances to suites, wider doorways and a main floor bathroom, two barrier free units, a caretaker’s unit, and common space, which can be used for the delivery of Health and Social Services programming.

“We want our seniors to be able to stay in their communities. With the completed construction of this brand new seniors’ centre, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is ensuring that our elders can stay in their home community while living comfortably and independently,” said Minister McLeod.

“I am pleased that the new facility will allow our elders to live near their friends and family, while also being provided appropriate supportive care services.”

With the population of seniors in the Northwest Territories set to increase in coming years, the housing corporation is investing in further seniors’ independent housing facilities that will support “aging in place”.

Providing opportunities for NWT residents to live stronger, more independent lives is  a priority of the 17th Assembly.

Media Inquiries:
Cara Bryant
Communications Advisor, NWTHC
Tel: (867) 873- 7854
Email: Cara_bryant@gov.nt.ca